Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long collaboration between Campfire and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee…
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
BAFTA has launched a new streaming series, BAFTA Playback, sponsored by Samsung, that brings some of Hollywood’s biggest names face-to-face with the moments that defined their craft. The six-part series, available on BAFTA’s YouTube channel, offers viewers a rare opportunity to see celebrated actors revisit scenes from their careers, discussing the creative choices, influences and…
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
The Luxe Review 
Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
PX8 S2 McLaren Edition Brings F1 Style to premium Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
BAFTA and Samsung team for YouTube series showcasing Hollywood’s biggest stars
BAFTA has launched a new streaming series, BAFTA Playback, sponsored by Samsung, that brings some of Hollywood’s biggest names face-to-face with the moments that defined their craft. The six-part series, available on BAFTA’s YouTube channel, offers viewers a rare opportunity to see celebrated actors revisit scenes from their careers, discussing the creative choices, influences and…
100 years in the making: Bang & Olufsen limited-edition Centennial audio collection strikes a pose
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
Share this: